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Total Solar Eclipse: Southern California Gets A Partial Show
A partial solar eclipse.
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solarseven via Shutterstock
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People across Southern California were able to get a partial view of the total solar eclipse gracing the sky above North America on Monday.
While people within the narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine got to witness the eclipse in its totality, Southern California was still able to see roughly half the sun blocked out by the intercepting moon.
What to expect
The event was expected to give the appearance of a “Pacman-like chunk taken out of the sun,” says Noah Pietro, a NASA project scientist. “You will notice the light dimming and the light looking very odd in the middle of the day.”
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In the greater L.A. region, NASA says the moon will begin to move into the sun’s path at 10:06 a.m. The partial eclipse by the moon will start at 11 a.m., with the peak being at 11:12 a.m. The event will be completely over by 12:22 p.m.
How to watch safely
Your everyday shades won’t be enough to protect your eyes. Aside from the traditional telescope or set of binoculars, you’ll need a set of eclipse glasses to safely view this celestial event.
“These should have markings on them that say ‘12312-2 certified,’” Pietro said.
People attend the solar eclipse watch party at the California Institute of Technology.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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If you don’t have a pair, there’s other indirect ways to watch, which could call for getting the kids involved.
You can punch a hole through either a piece of paper or index card, turn your back to the sun, and watch the projected image through the hole (do not look directly into it).
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Another way to watch the eclipse unfold is holding a colander over the ground. As the eclipse occurs, little crescent shaped suns will appear on the ground.
A colander can be used to safely view a total solar eclipse.
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Associated Press
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Looking ahead to future eclipses
Another one won’t be visible in the United States for another 20 years.
“It can feel a long way, but fortunately on Earth there are eclipses that happen if you’re willing to travel and there are opportunities over the next several years to travel and see these eclipses,” Pietro said.
The next total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and part of Portugal in 2026.
And if you're hoping to experience a total eclipse in L.A. someday there's bad news. According to NASA records, the most recent total eclipse here was in 1724 and another isn't forecast through the year 3000.
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